Firefighter / EMT - Job Announcement

Firefighter / EMT Position

Join our City of Oak Harbor team to help build a legacy of commitment to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion in our vibrant waterfront community.

Firefighter / EMT Testing Notice (candidates will be invited to complete an employment application by the end of September 2025). In order to qualify and be invited to apply for this position, you must have tested and currently be on our list of candidates with National Testing Network (NTN). Meet the qualifications of the position as posted below in the job description. Pass a current Physical Agility Test. Receive a passing score of 70% or above on a written general knowledge exam for human relations, mechanical, math, reading, and work attitude through the National Testing Network (NTN). After candidates complete the above testing and you are on the list with NTN you may be invited to complete the City of Oak Harbor application of employment. You will not be able to apply for this position unless you have first tested with NTN and added your scores to the OHFD list. The top candidates based on NTN scores who complete the City of Oak Harbor application of employment process will be invited to a interview to establish an eligibility list. The finalist candidate(s) will receive a conditional offer and be required to successfully complete and pass the following to receive an official offer of employment : Pass the Drug Screen test. Pass the required Medical Exam. Pass the Psychological Evaluation.

If you believe that you are eligible to be considered for such preference you should upload and submit your DD-214 to your application to determine eligibility. If you have questions, please contact Jedi Wilson, Civil Service Secretary, at jwilson@oakharbor.org or 360-279-4560.

Oak Harbor Fire Department (OHFD) provides fire protection, basic rescue, and first responder medical services to the City of Oak Harbor, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from Fire Station 81. OHFD serves the City of Oak Harbor located on Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington State. OHFD protects the 9.7 square mile City (including several miles of shoreline) and an estimated population of 24,700. In addition, OHFD maintains mutual and automatic aid contracts with Island County Fire Districts Number 2 (North Whidbey) and Number 5 (Central Whidbey), Whidbey Health, and the Naval Air Station-Whidbey Island (NAS-WI) Federal Fire Department.

24 full-time firefighters - 3 shifts 48 / 96 schedule. One Fire Station - Station 81 located on Whidbey Avenue. UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Fire Station 82 - at 1250 SW Swantown Rd - Oak Harbor's southwest area satellite fire station with expected completion in Spring 2026.

We also offer education and longevity pay and great benefits! (See benefits tab) We are a progressive department, anticipating department and community needs now and for the future!

Under the close supervision of the fire Lieutenant or other ranking officer, firefighters perform a complete range of firefighting and emergency medical activities. Fire prevention and suppression assignments are performed in accordance with departmental policies, rules, standard operating practices and established precedent, with matters deviating from normal procedures being referred to the ranking assigned officer for decision and / or direction. Work involves the potential for personal injury and individuals must be able to act without supervision and to exercise independent judgment and discretion during emergencies to assure safe operations. Firefighters are required to operate all department equipment; tools and apparatus within its full operational capability to protect life and property, and to maintain assigned fire prevention, suppression and medical equipment. Individuals spend substantial amounts of time engaged in routine inspection, testing, cleaning, and maintenance of equipment, apparatus and quarters and / or in supervised emergency responses or other associated training as directed and also conducting training classes. Firefighters are expected to perform conscientiously, proficiently and independently on all emergency and non-emergency assignments and duties of a regular or irregular nature. Firefighters must recognize the importance placed on activities by the public and respond with tactful, professional treatment of citizens.

Work activities involve multiple skills and may include, but are not limited to, any or all of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors : Respond to fire, rescue, vehicle accidents, hazardous materials and other life threatening emergencies to suppress, control, remove contain or otherwise mitigate the situation. Respond to emergency medical calls for service providing life saving care with the scope of an EMT-B. Clean, service and test designated fire apparatus and equipment to ensure constant readiness for emergency response; inventory associated tools, equipment and locate their appropriate placement; report observations of actual or potential deterioration, malfunction, failure, or loss of equipment to superiors. Remove individuals and property from hazardous situations in accordance with established departmental procedures governing the circumstances. Perform salvage tasks as required including covering furnishings, ventilation of premises, removing debris and pumping, sweeping and vacuuming water. Participate in training drills, simulated catastrophes, classes, seminars and other learning / training exercises. Perform general maintenance work on fire department equipment such as cleaning, sanitizing, polishing, and minor adjustments and repairs of apparatus and accessories; washing and polishing vehicles; washing, hanging and drying hose and personal protective equipment; vacuuming carpets; washing walls and floors; and checking and replenishing disposable supplies. Perform designated activities in the preparation of pre-fire maps including familiarization of building drawings and gas and / or electrical service(s) shut-offs, utilizing a personal computer and / or hand drawing sketches and layouts. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City officials, department heads, co-workers, supervisor and other City departments, and interact with the public using good judgment in a courteous and helpful manner in stressful situations.

Serve as acting fire lieutenant when authorized by the Fire Chief or designee. Conduct fire protection and other related inspections as assigned. Conduct presentations before school groups and service organizations on fire prevention, suppression procedures and equipment as assigned. May present CPR / First Aid / AED training courses to City employees and the public. Conduct tours of department facilities.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation. Thorough knowledge of the field of fire science and emergency medical response. Oral and written communication skills and ability to express oneself clearly and concisely in speaking and legibly in writing. Thorough knowledge of English, spelling, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and mathematics. Ability to drive fire emergency service vehicles safely and effectively under emergency conditions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, other City departments, employees and the general public. Ability to learn to read, interpret and properly apply laws applicable to fire service work. Ability to memorize and recall details, e.g., streets, roads and related geographical features to facilitate response to calls and alarms. Ability to maintain composure and self-control under adverse conditions, e.g., critical injuries and death. Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of citizens. Ability to perform duties and maintain personal conduct, attitude and appearances that conform to strict policies, procedures, discipline and within a "chain of command" management system. Ability to keep oneself in readiness at all times, to answer calls for service, accept authority, obey orders of superiors, and accept a strict personal and organizational code of conduct and ethics. Ability to maintain balanced perspective about life in general not withstanding continuous potential life-threatening situations. Ability to use a computer system and software required by City and the fire department, including Microsoft 365, cloud-based and desktop software, and smart phone applications.

Equipment utilized includes a wide variety of fire suppression, medical and rescue equipment such as apparatus (engines, aerial ladder trucks, trucks and trailers, and other specialized mobile equipment), ground ladders, hoses, oxygen apparatus, small gas, hydraulic, electric, and / or gas powered tools (chain saws, extrication tools, fans, pumps, lawn equipment and others), various hand tools (shovels, hooks, axes, lines, etc.), various medical tools (backboards, dressings, splints, tourniquets, etc.), and various electronics (personal computers, tablets, smart phone, pager, etc.)

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered. Must be 18 years of age at time of application. Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident and have the ability to read, write and speak the English language. Must have high school diploma, GED or equivalent. Must have a valid Driver's License in state of residency and able to obtain WA state DL with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsement or current Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention (EVIP) certification. Must have a good driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier. Must have or have equivalent IFSAC Firefighter I Certification at time of hire date. Must have State of Washington Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification or equivalent National Registry EMT Certificate at date of hire. Must be able to meet performance standards established by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and testing approved by the Civil Service Commission. Must pass